Water Quality FAQ

Is there arsenic in El Paso’s water? Arsenic occurs naturally as a constituent in many types of rocks and minerals. Some of the geological formations comprising El Paso’s aquifers consist of arsenic-containing rocks in nearby mountains. Some of the arsenic dissolves into El Paso’s groundwater over time.

Is arsenic in drinking water harmful? In 2001, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) adopted a new health standard for arsenic in drinking water of 10 parts per billion, which is equivalent to less than a teaspoon of water in an Olympic-sized swimming pool. The previous standard for arsenic was adopted in 1943 and was 50 parts per billion.

How does EPWater remove arsenic and meet regulations? In order to comply with the new standard set by the EPA, EPWater designed and constructed the Upper Valley Water Treatment Plant. The Upper Valley Water Treatment Plant removes naturally occurring arsenic from drinking water. An iron salt is used to attract the arsenic as part of the removal process. Once arsenic reacts with the iron, the resulting precipitate settles and is filtered from the water, leaving arsenic-free water behind. The finished water is then sent to the Canutillo Booster Pump Station where it is then distributed to the Upper Valley, West Side and areas beyond the city limits.

Interesting Facts: To date, the Upper Valley Water Treatment Plant is one of the largest facilities in the United States constructed as a result of the revised federal regulation on arsenic.

What do we know about fluoride and fluoridation? Fluoride, a substance which prevents cavities in teeth, occurs naturally in El Paso’s water. The American Dental Association recommends a concentration at 1 part per million, and levels in El Paso tap water fall below or at that level. In other water utilities, water is “fluoridated” when a public water system adjusts fluoride to the optimal level.

Is fluoride in drinking water safe? Yes. Public health institutions like the Centers for Disease Control and the ADA conclude that extensive research demonstrates that fluoridation of public water supplies is safe when added or naturally present in the correct amounts. Because of the naturally occurring fluoride in El Paso’s water, child cavity rates have been reduced by up to 40 percent, according to the ADA. The CDC declared fluoridation to be one of the top 10 greatest public health achievements of the past century because of its contribution in the decline in tooth decay.

How can I tell if my water has fluoride in it? EPWater publishes a consumer confidence report annually that describes the source and quality of your drinking water and our efforts to ensure a high-quality water supply. The report is available at epwater.org, or please call 915-594-5733 to get a hard copy.

If you get your drinking water from a private well, you should have your water tested by a certified laboratory at least once a year. You can bring samples for testing to EPWater's International Water Quality Lab at 4100 Delta Drive.

Microplastics (MPs) are small plastic particles that enter the environment through human use. While some particles are manufactured at a micro size like microbeads in soaps, larger plastics like water bottles can break down into smaller particles becoming a risk over time.

MPs have recently been detected in oceans, seas and freshwater bodies worldwide. Municipal treatment plants remove the majority of MPs. Conventional water treatment processes can reduce plastics into the drinking water system, however the ability to remove MPs depends on particle size.
Research regarding MPs is ongoing with experts identifying best practices and the standardization of methods.

Sometimes microscopic plants called algae multiply rapidly in the New Mexico reservoirs during the hot summer months. This causes a distinctly different taste and odor to develop in El Paso’s water, which is derived from the Rio Grande. This problem is normally short lived. Activated carbon is used at the water treatment plants to absorb these algae-related tastes and odors. Even if the musty smell and taste are apparent, the water is safe to drink.

Water hardness is defined by the amount of calcium and magnesium present. When the levels are comparatively low, water is described as soft. When the levels are comparatively high, water is described as hard. Water in El Paso is described as moderately hard to hard. Harder water does not lather as easily and does not form as many suds when using soap or detergent. However, there is increasing evidence that the presence of calcium and magnesium found in hard water is desirable for good cardio-vascular health. We do not recommend the installation of water softeners for drinking water.

El Paso uses chlorine to disinfect our drinking water. Chlorine has been used in municipal water in the U.S. since 1908, and it is the most effective way to ensure that water stays disinfected as it travels through water delivery systems. Chlorine prevents water-borne epidemics such as cholera, typhoid and hepatitis. The maximum amount of chlorine in El Paso’s water is usually two parts per million. Chlorine in this quantity poses no adverse health risks.

Rusting in galvanized pipes in plumbing systems is the typical cause of discolored water. In some cases, rusty or dirty water may come from the distribution system as a result of a main break or fire hydrant use. Iron causes the discoloration, but it is not a health risk. Usually, rusty water will clear after running cold water for a few minutes. Using hot water may cause sediment to go into the water heater. Although rusty or dirty water does not create a health risk, we recommend that you do NOT drink water that is not clear. If the water does not clear after running, please call El Paso Water for assistance at 915-594-5733.

A small amount of lithium occurs naturally in El Paso’s water. The amount is considerably less than a medical dosage. Lithium is sometimes use by doctors to treat mental disorders. To get the same amount of lithium as one standard capsule, you would have to drink about 600 glasses of water.

If you are an El Paso Water customer, these devices are not necessary to make your water safe. Your water is safe as it comes from the tap. If not properly maintained, water purification devices may actually cause problems with your water, including uncontrolled growth of disease-causing bacteria.